Dry Hair

Unwashed hair has a reputation for getting greasy and oily, but dry hair can be equally as frustrating. When hair suffers from being dry, it lacks the natural moisture and oils that make hair appear shiny and smooth. Instead, hair appears dull and brittle and feels straw-like instead of soft. Dry hair can come and go or can be a chronic issue. Most often, dry hair is caused by external factors and can be treated.

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Dry hair is commonly caused by excessive washing. As shampoos strip your hair of excess oil, too much washing will remove your hair’s natural oils to the point of dryness. It is important to also consider the ingredients in the hair products that you use. Some shampoos contain harsh detergents and will harm your hair even without excessive washing. Certain types of hair dye or hair perms can also cause damage that will leave hair dry and dull. To minimize the damage caused by common hair treatments, avoid washing your hair for 24 hours prior to dying it to allow your hair to build up its protective oils. Further, schedule different treatments such as dying, straightening, or perming your hair at intervals instead at the same time to avoid putting extreme strain on your hair.

Another common factor in suffering a dry, brittle mane is the use of a blow dryer, curling iron, straightening iron, or other heat-reliant styling device. While styling tools may leave your hair looking more controlled and orderly, regular use of heat can damage your hair. There are various styling products available that contain heat-protective ingredients to minimize the damage that styling can cause to your hair. Environmental factors such as a dry climate or over-exposure to the sun can also leave hair dry and dull. You can cut down on this type of damage by wearing a hat when you will be outside. Also look for hair care products with sun protection to minimize the damage when your hair is exposed.

Dry hair can also be an indicator of more serious health issues. Your hair reacts to the foods you eat. As such, malnutrition, dietary imbalance, or eating disorders can all lead to brittle locks. Hair dryness is also a common symptom in thyroid disorders. Certain medications and treatments, such as those used for cancer, can also cause long-term damage to your hair. If your hair appears dry and traditional methods of treating it do not show results, contact your doctor to rule out any health issues.

Various hot oil treatments are available over the counter or in salons.

To treat dryness, a simple place to begin is to change your shampoo or experiment with washing your hair less frequently. Allowing your hair’s natural protective oils to build up may solve the problem of dryness without any additional action on your part. Dry shampoos can help you skip a day by absorbing impurities and oils on the scalp. Similarly, reducing the frequency of heat-styling may improve your hair’s texture and shine. Look for a protective styling product to use prior to using a heated styling tool. Using a powerful conditioner after washing your hair may also help to revitalize dry locks. Choose products specifically made for dry hair in order to get the most benefits. For a quick and powerful home remedy, apply mayonnaise to your hair and leave it on for five minutes. The fat and oils present will give your hair a powerful boost and leave it shiny and smooth.

Various hot oil treatments are available over the counter or in salons. These treatments provide intensive hair therapy by penetrating hair down to the roots and delivering a concentrated dose of conditioning oil.

Vinegar can also be used to treat dryness. Add one tablespoon of vinegar to your hair as you rinse it in the shower. To treat dandruff as well as dryness, mix two cups of water and ½ cup of cider vinegar in a spray bottle. This will leave your scalp healthier and give your hair a more healthy shine.

Eggs provide another easy home remedy for dull or brittle hair. Whip an egg into warm water and lather it into your hair before shampooing. Be careful not to rinse it with water that is too hot as it could begin to cook the egg into your tresses, making it difficult to rinse.

Nuts and seeds provide a boost to your hair from the inside out. By snacking on these treats, your hair will benefit from their essential fatty acids and overall sheen will be improved.

If you prefer to take the professional route and visit a salon, deep conditioning treatments such as the hot oil method listed above are a good option. Salons also offer hair tonics, which use chemical-based solutions to stimulate the scalp and correct dryness issues. Most salons will offer other corrective treatments that target the hair shaft instead of the scalp. These treatments rely on emulsion conditioners that contain cholesterol and related compounds intended to condition and soften hair. With any of these professional care routines, your hair will likely experience an intense rejuvenation.